Mike Jurecki’s Arizona Cardinals roster projection – Version 3.0

While several storylines will emerge from camp, the one everyone will be watching is the battle for the 53-man roster.

Key dates to watch are Sept. 2, when clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the active/inactive list prior to 1 p.m. There’s also the day after on Sept. 3 when the claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction expires at 9 a.m. One hour later, teams may form their practice squad of 10 players.

Here’s the third version of my 53-man roster projection. I’ll update the roster as moves are made throughout camp, including after every preseason game.

OFFENSE (25)

QUARTERBACKS (3): Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Blaine Gabbert

If the Cardinals keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, they won’t need one like undrafted free agent Trevor Knight on the practice squad.

RUNNING BACKS (4): David Johnson, Chris Johnson, Kerwynn Williams, Andre Ellington

T.J. Logan underwent wrist surgery and is likely out 12 weeks. Depending on his recovery time, he could return in Week 8 against the Rams in London.

Elijhaa Penny is a practice squad option .Meanwhile, James Summers will likely get some carries in the fourth preseason game vs. Broncos.

RECEIVERS (6): Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Jaron Brown, J.J. Nelson, Chad Williams, Brittan Golden

Aaron Dobson, Jeremy Ross, Carlton Agudosi, Krishawn Hogan, Chris Hubert and Marquis Bundy all could be waived when cuts are announced. Agudosi, Hogan and Bundy would be options for practice squad.

TIGHT ENDS (3): Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas, Ifeanyi Momah

Hakeem Valles, Gerald Christian and Ricky Seals-Jones are eligible for the practice squad. I believe the Cardinals will look for another tight end when time permits, otherwise Momah could be the third one to make the roster.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): D.J. Humphries, Mike Iupati, A.Q. Shipley, Evan Boehm, Jared Veldheer, Cole Toner, Dorian Johnson, Will Holden, John Wetzel

Kaleb Johnson, Tony Bergstrom, Givens Price, Jonathan McLaughlin, Daniel Munyer. Ulrick John could all be odd man out at swing tackle. Johnson, Munyer, Price and John could be selections for the practice squad.

DEFENSE (25)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (7): Frostee Rucker, Corey Peters, Josh Mauro, Rodney Gunter, Robert Nkemdiche, Olsen Pierre, Xavier Williams

Pasoni Tasini, David Moala, Peli Anau, Ed Stinson. Besides Stinson, the others could land on the practice squad.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (4): Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, Kareem Martin, Jarvis Jones

Terance Waugh and Alex Bazzie will need to show their worth in the final three-preseason games to garner a roster spot.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): Karlos Dansby, Deone Bucannon, Haason Reddick, Josh Bynes, Scooby Wright.

Scooby Wright excels on special teams and in the box against the run, but struggles in coverage down the field. Zaviar Gooden, Tre’Von Johnson and Philip Wheeler also competing for one of the inside linebacker spots.

CORNERBACKS (4): Patrick Peterson, Justin Bethel, Brandon Williams, Tramon Williams

SAFETIES (5): Tyrann Mathieu, Antoine Bethea, Tyvon Branch, Budda Baker, Harlan Miller

Rudy Ford is competing with Miller for the final safety spot; if he clears waivers he would be an option for the practice squad.

SPECIALISTS (3): LS Aaron Brewer, P Richie Leone, K Phil Dawson.

Matt Wile and Leone have been inconsistent throughout training camp and must improve their hang time to allow the coverage unit to get down the field. As for holding on extra points and field goals, they haven’t had any miscues. Arizona will continue to evaluate other punters for the next four weeks.

Players are eligible for the practice squad if they clear waivers. Teams are allowed to up to 10.

WR Krishawn Hogan
WR Carlton Agudosi
S Rudy Ford
RB Elijhaa Penny
CB Sojourn Shelton
CB Gump Hayes
CB Ironhead Gallon
OT Ulrick John
OT Givens Price

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